COC officials named a new fundraising official of the College of the Canyons Foundation recently, the college announced.

James Kneblik Jr., a sponsorship relations and marketing professional, will take the helm as the College of the Canyons Foundation’s director of development, following Michele Edmonson’s retirement in December.

The decision was made July 5, according to COC officials.

Kneblik has had the opportunity to manage the Business Sponsorship Program for the city of Santa Clarita’s Economic Development Division for the past five years.

“It is an honor to continue a career of service within the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Kneblik. “College of the Canyons is a dynamic institution and serves as the gold standard for accessible education and innovative community partnerships. While representing the foundation, I look forward to working for increased student services and greater fundraising success in the years to come.”

As the new director of development, Kneblik will be responsible for fundraising and membership expansion for key foundation support groups, such as the Chancellor’s Circle and Patrons of the Arts. In the fall, he will also lead outreach efforts in support of the Foundation’s annual fund and pursue corporate donations for the college’s First-Year Promise campaign.

“We are very excited to welcome James into the College of the Canyons family,” said Murray Wood, chief development officer for the foundation. “His sponsor relations experience and knowledge of the Santa Clarita Valley community will help move the College of the Canyons Foundation forward in our fundraising efforts.”

The College of the Canyons Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) auxiliary organization with over 10,000 donors that provides financial resources for scholarship endowment, educational programs and capital improvements.

For more information on Kneblik and the Foundation, click here.